2 Kings 8:21 net — Joram crossed over to Zair with all his chariots. The Edomites, who had surrounded him, attacked at night and defeated…

NET Bible

"Joram crossed over to Zair with all his chariots. The Edomites, who had surrounded him, attacked at night and defeated him and his chariot officers. The Israelite army retreated to their homeland."

— 2 Kings 8:21, NET Bible

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2 Kings 8:21 in Other Translations

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2 Kings 8 — Context

18

He followed in the footsteps of the kings of Israel, just as Ahab’s dynasty had done, for he married Ahab’s daughter. He did evil in the sight of the LORD.

19

But the LORD was unwilling to destroy Judah. He preserved Judah for the sake of his servant David to whom he had promised a perpetual dynasty.

20

During his reign Edom freed themselves from Judah’s control and set up their own king.

21

Joram crossed over to Zair with all his chariots. The Edomites, who had surrounded him, attacked at night and defeated him and his chariot officers. The Israelite army retreated to their homeland.

22

So Edom has remained free from Judah’s control to this very day. At that same time Libnah also rebelled.

23

The rest of the events of Joram’s reign, including a record of his accomplishments, are recorded in the scroll called the Annals of the Kings of Judah.

24

Joram passed away and was buried with his ancestors in the City of David. His son Ahaziah replaced him as king.

2 Kings 8:21 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 2 Kings 8:21 say?
2 Kings 8:21 in the NET Bible reads: “Joram crossed over to Zair with all his chariots. The Edomites, who had surrounded him, attacked at night and defeated him and his chariot officers. The Israelite army retreated to their homeland.”
Where is 2 Kings 8:21 in the Bible?
2 Kings 8:21 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 2 Kings, chapter 8, verse 21.
Who wrote 2 Kings?
2 Kings is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (traditionally Jeremiah). It was written c. 561–538 BC.
What is the book of 2 Kings about?
2 Kings carries the divided kingdom from Elijah and Elisha through the fall of both Israel and Judah. Despite the prophets' warnings, both kingdoms decline through idolatry — the north into Assyrian captivity, the south into Babylonian exile — fulfilling the covenant curses.
What are the major themes of 2 Kings?
2 Kings explores themes including Judgment, Exile, Prophets, Covenant Curses, Remnant. These themes shape the meaning and context of 2 Kings 8:21.
What translation should I read 2 Kings 8:21 in?
2 Kings 8:21 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 2 Kings 8:21?
2 Kings 8:21 reads (NET): “Joram crossed over to Zair with all his chariots. The Edomites, who had surrounded him, attacked at night and defeated him and his chariot officers. The Israelite army retreated to their homeland.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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